[{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 02 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Stool Mountain Trail at Table Rock State Park","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader by email for reservation.   Form carpools and meet the hike leader at the second meeting place.  The Stool Mountain Trail is a new trail in Table Rock State Park, just to the side of Table Rock. A less technical trail than Table Rock, it is still a strenuous hike, gaining over 1,500 feet in elevation over 2.7 miles as it climbs through stream valleys, boulder fields, and rock overhangs to the summit of Stool Mountain. The trail features spectacular views of Table Rock itself, the South Carolina piedmont below, and Table Rock Reservoir. We will see evidence of the Table Rock fire which burned almost 16,000 acres in April 2025. NOTE: $6 admission fee per person.\r\nThis is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Table Rock","HIKE_NUMBER":1019,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.40,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1500,"CANCELED":"Yes","HIKE_LEADER":"Brenda Worley | bjdworley@gmail.com | 828-606-7297","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":112,"HIKE_RATED":"C-B","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18707,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Highlands Sq. Shopping Center - 250 Highlands Square Dr. Hendersonville by Red ATM at 08:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 03 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Cat Gap - Long Branch - Cemetery Loop ","DESCRIPTION":"Contact Marielle for reservation. Limit of 15 hikers. This is what age 80 looks like! Join us for a hike celebrating longtime CMC member Danny Bernstein’s milestone birthday. For this variation of CMC hike 0097, we will be hiking about 8 miles in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest in honor of Danny's 8 decades. This lollipop hike begins on Cat Gap Loop, climbing to Picklesimer Fields area before turning onto Long Branch Trail. Long Branch Trail partially follows an old wagon road through a variety of forest types. Eventually the trail reaches the McCall Cemetery, which has graves dating back to the 1800s.Topos: Shining Rock","HIKE_NUMBER":97,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":8.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1200,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Marielle DeJong | maredejong4@gmail.com | 828-553-7027","CO_LEADER":"Danny Bernstein","DRIVE_DISTANCE":30,"HIKE_RATED":"B-B","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18686,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Fish Hatchery - Pisgah Forest at 08:45 AM","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"Marielle and I scouted out a Pisgah loop and lollipop hike that we will lead for my big 8 0 celebration.\r\nMarielle, who works for The Pisgah Conservancy (TPC), created this 8 ++ mile hike. It shows off a couple of fantastic bridges, creeks and of course, the McCall Cemetery. \r\n \"The McCall family is listed in the first census of 1798 as wagon makers who helped the Revolutionary War Cause against England.\" But the McCalls buried here are from the late 1800s.\r\nCome and join us.\r\n","SCOUT_PICTURE":"https://carolinamtnclub.org/hiking/images/97_18686_1510.JPEG"},{"TYPEID":1,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 04 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"09:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Hard Times P.L.#2 - Pine Tree Loop","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader for reservation. Limit of 12 hikers. A pleasant, moderate loop hike in the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, starting at Hard Times trailhead and using parts of Homestead Trail, Small Creek Trail, Deerfield Loop, Pine Tree Loop, L on South Ridge Rd., R on Sleepy Gap Trail, R onto Explorer Loop, R on connector to Pine Tree Loop and then R along FS 479 and L across bridge to follow road. *Canceled due to forecast for rain & no signed ups.*\r\n\r\n\r\nTopos: Skyland","HIKE_NUMBER":324,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":600,"CANCELED":"Yes","HIKE_LEADER":"Connie Corn | cornconnie@yahoo.com | 828-674-0248","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":10,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"Half-Day Sunday","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18724,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"Pisgah 400","SCOUT_REPORT":"The trails are in OK condition, very dry with the lack of rain. Goldenrod is in abundance and spotted “Hearts-a-bustin” euonymus pods along the way plus some wild asters. \r\nThis is about 5-mile loop starting at Hardtimes Trailhead, Bent Creek.  There’s not a lot of elevation gain/loss overall, but there are a couple of short steep sections. If you have cranky knees, like me, hiking poles are a good idea. The hike loops Lake Powhatan and Bent Creek using various trails to the south and returns to Lake Powhatan and passes by the fishing pier above the dam on Bent Creek Rd. to intersect with Hardtimes trail again to complete the loop. Wear orange - it is hunting season.\r\n","SCOUT_PICTURE":"https://carolinamtnclub.org/hiking/images/324_18724_1509.jpg"},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 04 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"10:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Corn Mill Shoals P.L. #2 - Cedar Rock","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader via email for reservation. This hike is a pleasant variation of CMC hike 0525 up and over the granite slabs of Big Rock and Cedar Rock. From Corn Mill Shoals parking lot we will take Big Rock Trail and Cedar Trail to Little River Trail, adding in a loop on Burnt Mountain Trail. We will snack at the river and return on Corn Mill Shoals Trail. *Hike canceled due to rain forecast.*Topos: Standingstone Mtn","HIKE_NUMBER":525,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":6.50,"ELEVATION_GAIN":400,"CANCELED":"Yes","HIKE_LEADER":"Henry Kassell | hkassell@gmail.com | 845-656-5528","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":60,"HIKE_RATED":"B-C","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18705,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Pisgah Forest Walmart parking (back of center aisles close to Taco Bell) at 10:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"Waterfalls (WC100)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 07 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Shining Rock from Black Balsam #1","DESCRIPTION":"Contact leaders via email for reservation.  Form carpools and meet the leaders at the second meeting place.  We will take the ALT from FS 816 to Shining Rock (6040 ft.), then climb Black Balsam (6214 ft.) and Tennent Mtn. (6040 ft.) and Grassy Cove Top (6040 ft.) along the way. This will be your chance to bag four SB6K peaks while enjoying beautiful views covering the area from Pilot Mtn. to Cold Mtn.  We’ll return via the Ivestor Gap Trail to get a different perspective on the same area.Topos: Sam Knob","HIKE_NUMBER":337,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"Yes","HIKE_DISTANCE":11.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1500,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Bob Smith | wncnites@gmail.com | 828-696-6185","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":60,"HIKE_RATED":"A-B","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18703,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"BRP Cold Mountain Overlook at MM 412 at 08:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"South Beyond 6000","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 10 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Buckwheat Knob - Coontree Loop","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader by email for reservation. Climb along beautiful Coontree Creek through open forest up to Saddle and Bennett Gaps and on to Buckwheat Knob; then return via Coontree Gap (opposite side of loop). This hike fulfils the requirements for hike 62 of the 100 Favorite Trails.Topos: Shining Rock","HIKE_NUMBER":209,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":8.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":2200,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Kelly O'Rourke | kellyleann@comcast.net | 434-249-5176","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":60,"HIKE_RATED":"B-AA","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18678,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Pisgah Forest Walmart parking (back of center aisles close to Taco Bell) at 09:00 AM","CHALLENGES":"Pisgah 400","SCOUT_REPORT":" I lead this hike for another hiking group. There were 8 of us, and we got up to the top for a quick lunch.  It started raining on the way back, so we abandoned the full Coontree loop and went straight back to our cars. This gave us close to eight miles. Depending on the weather, we might go out and back as well and not complete the Coontree loop. I will let you know closer in since some of you might need this for the 100 FAV.  Sections are very steep and rocky and poles are absolutely recommended.\r\n\r\nThis hike has some great views of looking glass rock. \r\n","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 11 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Mingus Mill semi-circlular","DESCRIPTION":"<strong><u>900M</strong></u> Contact hike leader by email for reservation. Limit of 12 hikers. From the Smokemont Campground in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this hike begins with a 4.7-mile, 2,800 ft. climb up to Newton Bald, a former bald with good views from the ridge top. We will follow the Mingus Creek Trail along the ridge, then descend along the creek. If the group wants, we will hike past the Mingus Mill and visit the Enloe Slave Cemetery. Note: A parking pass for each vehicle is required in GSMNP. For more info: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm. Short car shuttle. *Canceled due to severe weather and lack of sign ups.*Topos: Smokemont","HIKE_NUMBER":644,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":10.50,"ELEVATION_GAIN":2800,"CANCELED":"Yes","HIKE_LEADER":"Jim Ervin | ervingarden@bellsouth.net | ","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":110,"HIKE_RATED":"A-AA","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"One Way","MEETPLACE":"Food Lion - 35 Westridge Market Pl. Candler","ID":18679,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Maggie Valley Post Office at 08:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"I scouted this hike on Friday, May 8, 2026, but unfortunately had to reschedule it due to rain.  The following report is based upon what was observed in late spring coupled with information provided during a very recent phone conversation with the Back Country Rangers' Office, which informed me that there had been no reports of problems on the trials in question since that time (when the ranger with whom I spoke had also been on the route that this hike will take).  \r\n\r\nWe began at the Newton Bald Trailhead on a beautiful spring morning at 9:51 a.m., reached the intersection of the Newton Bald and Mingus Creek trials at about 1:25 p.m., and arrived at the Mingus Creek Trailhead at about 5:00 p.m.  The distances reported in the CMC hike description appear to be accurate (although I got somewhat different information from AllTrails during the scout).  The total elevation gain on the Newton Bald Trail is actually about 2,900 feet given a slight depression and subsequent uphill stretch shortly before the trail's end at the intersection of the Newton Bald and Mingus Creek Trails.  Thus, the hike, which is a long one, will end late in the afternoon.\r\n\r\nThe trails, which were both in good condition, ran though forested areas and had few overlooks.  The Newton Bald Trail involves a substantial uphill climb slightly below the ridge line along various ridges, while the Mingus Creek Trail involves a lengthy walk along a ridge line followed by a relatively steep descent down to MIngus Mill.  The Newton Bald Trail should feature limited views of the Plott Balsams through the trees, while the Mingus Creek Trail should provide less obstructed views in the direction of Thomas Divide to the west as the hike proceeds along the ridge line. \r\n\r\nAs the Mingus Creek Trail nears the trailhead, there were a number of creek crossings, one of which was slightly difficult to navigate in the spring (a photograph is provided).   Newton Bald itself, which was once a grazing area, is now, like many of the \"balds\" in the Smokies, completely tree-covered.  ","SCOUT_PICTURE":"https://carolinamtnclub.org/hiking/images/644_18679_1526.jpg"},{"TYPEID":1,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 11 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"10:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop","DESCRIPTION":"<strong><u>900M</strong></u> Contact hike leader via email for reservation. Limit of 15 hikers. This lovely hike is a loop beginning from Deep Creek Campground entrance of GSMNP. We will hike along the water and visit 3 waterfalls, following the Deep Creek Trail, Juney Whank Falls Loop Trail, Loop Trail and Indian Creek Trail. Trails are very well-maintained by the NPS, with impressive bridges over all the creek crossings. Deep Creek is located near Bryson City, over an hour’s drive each way. Expect a late afternoon return to Asheville. This hike meets the requirements of hike 18 of the 100 Favorite Trails. NOTE: A parking pass for each vehicle is required in the GSMNP. For more information: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm.","HIKE_NUMBER":951,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":830,"CANCELED":"Yes","HIKE_LEADER":"Karen Lachow | heyk127@hotmail.com | 703-395-5879","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":124,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"Half-Day Sunday","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Food Lion - 35 Westridge Market Pl. Candler","ID":18713,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"It was a beautiful day to scout this hike on 10/7 with Diane J and Danny B; cool and crisp when we started out at 10:05am. With not much rain the last few weeks, the three waterfalls on the loop were low, but it’s still such a lovely and delightful hike. Leaves are just beginning to turn with hints of red and yellow adorning the rocks around the falls and trails. We started up at Juney Whank Falls, then walked along the Deep Creek Trail, pausing briefly across from Tom Branch Falls. We wound around, then up the Loop Trail, the steepest section of the hike, and stopped for a late lunch at the top before the descent. After visiting Indian Creek Falls, we followed the Deep Creek Trail back to the car. I tracked this hike at 5-miles with 833 feet ascent, finishing  in 3 hours 20 minutes. It’s a long drive so hikers should expect to return to Asheville in the late afternoon. ","SCOUT_PICTURE":"https://carolinamtnclub.org/hiking/images/951_18713_1529.JPG"},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 14 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Flat Laurel Creek, Little Sam Knob, MST Loop","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leaders by email for reservation.  This is a pleasant loop trail in the Pisgah Ranger District with views of Sam Knob, Fork Ridge, and Flat Laurel Creek. At times it feels like you’re in an ancient forest.  We'll walk down NC 215 and start hiking on the Flat Laurel Creek and Little Sam Trails, then take the MST to NC 215, with a side trip to Devils Courthouse. This is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Sam Knob","HIKE_NUMBER":578,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":7.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1000,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Judy Magura | quilter290@gmail.com | 828-579-0321","CO_LEADER":"Jim Magura","DRIVE_DISTANCE":60,"HIKE_RATED":"B-C","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Home Depot off Exit 44 of I-40","ID":18704,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Juke Box Junction, 6306 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC at 08:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"Waterfalls (WC100)","SCOUT_REPORT":"We had a beautiful Fall day for our Scout hike and we were joined by Sharon for the scout.  We parked beside 215 and hiked down the road (1/4 mile) to the Flat Laurel Creek Trail head.  Temperatures were perfect and we had full Sun for the scout.  We found the trail in excellent condition and we took advantage of the great weather with an extended lunch break on one of the streams feeding into Flat Laurel Creek. We did note that one of the signs indicating distance to 215 was incorrect. One mile hiking distance was shown and it was at least 2 miles.  We will remeasure on our hike and contact the club to report the discrepancy. This is one of our personal favorite hikes that we completed many times over the past 17 years and it never disappoints no matter the season.  The second photo is the view toward 215 at the half way point of our hike.","SCOUT_PICTURE":"https://carolinamtnclub.org/hiking/images/578_18704_1517.jpeg"},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 16 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Winding Stair Gap to Siler Bald via the A.T. ","DESCRIPTION":"Contact leader via email for reservation. Form carpools and meet leader at the trailhead. Driving directions:  I-40 W, US 23 S, US 64 W to Winding Stair Gap. Enjoy this in-and-out hike near Franklin, NC. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average 4-1/2 hours to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, camping and backpacking. We may see a few southbound thru hikers. The trail is blazed and easy to follow.  This is deer hunting season; please wear orange.","HIKE_NUMBER":1007,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":8.90,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1800,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Sharon Smith | waltersharon204@gmail.com | unknown","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":150,"HIKE_RATED":"B-A","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Food Lion - 35 Westridge Market Pl. Candler","ID":18754,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"I scouted this hike yesterday and the weather was perfect. The trail itself is in excellent shape. The last half is a little rockier and roots, but overall good. I tracked a total mileage of 9.5 and elevation gain 1839ft. views are stunning! hoping the weather will cooperate. The AT never disappoints.  ","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":16,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 17 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"09:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Buck Spring Gap to Pisgah Inn and Little Bald Mountain","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader via email for reservation. Limit of 12 hikers. The hike follows a one-mile section of MST referred to as Buck Spring Nature Trail. En route we will hike a northern hardwood forest, visit the former location of Buck Spring Lodge and an overlook on Little Bald Mtn. with long-range views of Pink Beds Valley. The leader will identify sites of interest on numbered posts along the trail. An optional add-on is a one-mile hike out and back to Buck Spring Dam's pump house ruins.Topos: Dunsmore Mt","HIKE_NUMBER":30,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":2.70,"ELEVATION_GAIN":500,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Barton Paschal | bartonpaschal@gmail.com | 828-545-6795","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":35,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"Leisure Hikes","HIKE_TYPE":"One Way","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18760,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"BRP Buck Spring Gap Overlook near Buck Spring Lodge site (BRP MM 407.6) at 09:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"Hike is 2.6 mi out & back including spur to Little Bald Mtn; ascent 400'. View of BIg Creek, AVL and Bearwallow Mtn from T.H. looking E; view of Great Balsams and Plott Balsams from T.H. looking W. View of Looking Glass Rock and Cedar Rock Mtn from Little Bald Mtn. Optional hike to Buck Spring Lodge dam is 1 mi out & back; ascent 300', Optional hike down Vanderbilt Motor Road from overlook is 0.5 mi out & back. Lodge ruins include springhouse, stable courtyard, and footprint of Honeymoon Cottage. Berries include mountain ash, mountain holly, hawthorn, chokeberry, carrion flower, Indian cucumber root and Solomon's seal. Almost all evergreen trees are red spruce. Witch hazel is blooming. Many American chestnut stump sprouts; some with burs. Largest chestnut has trunk diameter of 16\". ","SCOUT_PICTURE":"https://carolinamtnclub.org/hiking/images/30_18760_1523.jpeg"},{"TYPEID":1,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 18 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"10:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Montreat Loop #4 - Lookout Rock","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader via email for reservation. This hike begins with a moderately steep ascent of approximately 900 ft. and a short rock scramble on the Lookout Trail up to Lookout Rock, where we will stop to take in the long-range views. We will continue on with a gentle climb on the Mt. Mitchell Toll Rd. to Buck Gap and return on the Old Trestle Rd. This is a variation of CMC hike 0553 and is an extended version of 81 of the 100 Favorite Trails.Topos: Montreat","HIKE_NUMBER":553,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1000,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Judy Magura | quilter290@gmail.com | 828-579-0321","CO_LEADER":"Jim Magura","DRIVE_DISTANCE":40,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"Half-Day Sunday","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Ingles off Exit 64 of I-40 (Black Mountain)","ID":18689,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"Jim and I scouted this hike on a lovely fall day.  Leaves beginning to turn a golden autumn color.  We found the trail in pretty good condition, however weather and heavy foot traffic have caused erosion at the steps.  We expect some great views.  Sturdy shoes and poles are recommended especially for the decent.  If it is not too late we will have lunch at the shelter.  There are a several steep descents going from the top down to the shelter and beyond that have a lot of rocks and roots to maneuver. ","SCOUT_PICTURE":"https://carolinamtnclub.org/hiking/images/553_18689_1542.jpeg"},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 18 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Waterrock Knob, Yellow Face, Blackrock Mtn","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader by email for reservation. This scenic hike offers three SB6K peaks and outstanding views in the full glory of fall color. We will summit Waterrock Knob from the parking lot.  After returning to the parking lot we cross over the Blue Ridge Parkway and hike a rough trail along the ridge line to Yellowface and on to Blackrock Mountain for lunch, then return the same way. Don't be fooled - this hike is more challenging than the distance implies. Rock scrambling and technical hiking are required. This is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Addie","HIKE_NUMBER":175,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":7.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":2400,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Mike Knies | knies06@att.net | ","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":80,"HIKE_RATED":"B-AA","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Food Lion - 35 Westridge Market Pl. Candler","ID":18685,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Rest area beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 08:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"South Beyond 6000","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 21 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Thomas Divide - Smokemont","DESCRIPTION":"<strong><u>900M</strong></u> Contact leader for reservation.   A scenic fall hike on the Thomas Divide and Newton Bald Trails down to Smokemont. We will see good fall leaf color along the way.  There is a 4000-ft. descent. Car shuttle.  NOTE: A parking pass for each vehicle is required in the GSMNP. For more information: www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm.","HIKE_NUMBER":782,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":10.50,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1400,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Mike Knies | knies06@att.net | ","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":125,"HIKE_RATED":"A-B","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"One Way","MEETPLACE":"Food Lion - 35 Westridge Market Pl. Candler","ID":18706,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Maggie Valley Post Office at 08:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":16,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 24 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"10:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Cold Knob #2 - Explorer Loop and Chestnut Cove","DESCRIPTION":"Contact leader by email for reservation. This shortened version of CMC hike 1004 should be a pleasant early autumn hike through Bent Creek on well-maintained trails with little elevation gain.","HIKE_NUMBER":1004,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":2.60,"ELEVATION_GAIN":290,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Carroll Koepplinger | cakoep29@gmail.com | 828-231-9444","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":10,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"Leisure Hikes","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18744,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 24 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Tanyard Gap to Lovers Leap","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader by email for reservation.  We will take the A.T. south from Tanyard Gap in the Hot Springs area to Lovers Leap and return. Expect a moderate hike through beautiful woods and views from Lovers Leap. This is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Hot Springs","HIKE_NUMBER":203,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":8.30,"ELEVATION_GAIN":790,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Henry Kassell | hkassell@gmail.com | 845-656-5528","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":70,"HIKE_RATED":"B-C","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Publix at 165 Weaver Blvd. Weaverville lower end of parking lot off Exit 19 of I-26","ID":18710,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 25 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Shining Rock from Black Balsam #1","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader by email for reservation.  We will take the ALT from the Big Sam parking lot at the end of FS 816 to Shining Rock (6040 ft.), first climbing Black Balsam (6214 ft.), then onto Tennent Mtn. (6040 ft.) and Grassy Cove Top (6040 ft.) along the way. This will be your chance to bag four SB6K peaks while enjoying beautiful views and hopefully the fall leaf colors. After lunch on Shining Rock, we will return to our cars via the Ivestor Gap Trail. This hike is 49 of the 100 Favorite Trails. This is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Sam Knob","HIKE_NUMBER":337,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"Yes","HIKE_DISTANCE":11.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1500,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Victor Zona | victor.zona@sbcglobal.net | 248-767-2651","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":60,"HIKE_RATED":"A-B","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18690,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"BRP Cold Mountain Overlook at MM 412 at 08:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"South Beyond 6000","SCOUT_REPORT":"The morning started out to be cloudy and windy, but by the time we reached Shining Rock for lunch the clouds disappeared and the winds stopped.  The Art Loeb and Ivestor Gap trails are in very good condition.  Today we encountered dozens of day hikers and backpackers, even met a hiker from England.  Glad to see so many people enjoying the area.  Hiked close to 10 miles in length with around 1,400 feet of elevation gain.  Total moving time about 4 hours 30 minutes.","SCOUT_PICTURE":"https://carolinamtnclub.org/hiking/images/337_18690_1511.jpg"},{"TYPEID":1,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 25 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"10:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Beaver Dam to Chestnut Cove Overlook on the MST","DESCRIPTION":"Contact leader via email for reservation. Limit of 10 hikers.\r\nFall colors should be at peak on this hike in a mostly deciduous tree section of the MST. We will climb Ferrin Knob and have lunch at the ruins of the old fire tower. From there, it is mostly downhill for a descent of 1245 ft., sometimes steeply but mostly gentle ups and downs. We’ll also have a leader-supplied snack break at some interesting boulders. Count on ~ 3 hours for this hike. Car shuttle.Topos: Dunsmore Mt","HIKE_NUMBER":22,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":4.80,"ELEVATION_GAIN":460,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Bobbi Powers | bobbipowers23@gmail.com | 828-667-5419","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":30,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"Half-Day Sunday","HIKE_TYPE":"One Way","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18687,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 28 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Waterrock Knob from Soco Gap","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader by email for reservation.\r\nThis hike starts from Soco Gap at an elevation of 4,400 feet and heads steadily\r\nup to Waterrock Knob at close to 6,400 feet. We will be hiking the MST\r\neastbound, and will enjoy the view as we eat our lunch at the top. This section of\r\nthe MST was completed by CMC in 2016. Expect to be impressed by the work that\r\nwent into building this trail. We will visit Howard's Bridge, Piet's Place and talk\r\nabout these CMC trail giants. We will return on the same trail.  This is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Hazelwood","HIKE_NUMBER":205,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":9.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1950,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Danny Bernstein | dannyhiker@gmail.com | 828-450-0747","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":65,"HIKE_RATED":"B-A","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Food Lion - 35 Westridge Market Pl. Candler","ID":18699,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"AT-MST,South Beyond 6000","SCOUT_REPORT":"This is a quiet part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail from Soco Gap to Waterrock Knob\r\non the Blue Ridge Parkway. Lots of mushrooms, bushes and CMC history.\r\n\r\nOnce we get to Waterrock Knob, we can continue up as far as the group wants to go. Then down, down, down as we see the trail in a different way.","SCOUT_PICTURE":"https://carolinamtnclub.org/hiking/images/205_18699_1537.JPEG"},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"October, 28 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Flat Creek Trail","DESCRIPTION":"<strong><u>900M</strong></u> Contact hike leader by email for reservation. Limit of 10 hikers. A leisurely-paced, high-elevation hike in Great Smoky Mtns. Natl. Park. Hike from Heintooga Ridge Rd. (BRP milepost 458) to the picnic area and back to the trailhead. A beautiful area with a possible wet creek crossing. Beautiful view from the path below the picnic area. NOTE: A parking pass for each vehicle is required in the GSMNP. For more information: www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm.Topos: Bunches Bald","HIKE_NUMBER":219,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.20,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1000,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Donna Lanning | dblanning@bellsouth.net | 828-606-7956","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":104,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Food Lion - 35 Westridge Market Pl. Candler","ID":18700,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":1,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 01 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"13:00 PM","HIKE_NAME":"Guion Farm P.L. #1 - Wintergreen Falls","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader for reservation. Form carpools and meet hike leader at second meeting place. This variation of CMC hike 0350 is a leisurely-paced loop hike down old logging roads through beautiful forest. We'll stop at an old cemetery, and take a side trail down to a beautiful waterfall.Topos: Standingstone Mtn","HIKE_NUMBER":350,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":500,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Bruce Bente | bcb28791@gmail.com | 828-567-9443","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":70,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"Half-Day Sunday","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18715,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Pisgah Forest Walmart parking (back of center aisles close to Taco Bell) at 13:30 PM","CHALLENGES":"Waterfalls (WC100)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 01 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"09:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Asheville Camino del Norte Walk","DESCRIPTION":"Contact Karen by email for reservation.  Limit of 10 hikers. Meeting place is next door to the Asheville Visitor Center. PLEASE do not park at the Visitor Center. Walk the Asheville Camino del Norte, a 10-mile easy walk on sidewalks and trails. See North Asheville, University of North Carolina at Asheville and the Botanical Gardens. Have a café con leche at the historic Grove Park Inn. The hike simulates a short day on the Camino. Wear good sneakers or low boots. Bring water, snacks and lunch. We will stop for morning coffee, but feel free to bring your own food. \r\n","HIKE_NUMBER":909,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":10.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":500,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Karen Schultz | schultz.karenj@gmail.com | 312-241-3329","CO_LEADER":"Ken Scharmann","DRIVE_DISTANCE":0,"HIKE_RATED":"A-C","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Montford North Star Academy 90 Montford Ave. Asheville","ID":18682,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"This incredible urban hike truly gives you a taste of many of the great neighborhoods and sites in Asheville.\r\n\r\nTake a peek into The Minor Basilica of St. Lawrence - the Deacon & Martyr is a minor basilica of the Catholic Church in downtown Asheville,\r\n\r\nWalk the historic  Montford neighborhood.\r\n\r\nWind your way up backroads to the historic Grove Park Inn.\r\n\r\nEnjoy a coffee stop inside the Inn.\r\n\r\nWalk historic North Asheville winding your way down and around Beaver Lake.\r\n\r\nHike up into the woods behind UNCA and onto the UNCA campus.  Enjoy lunch at the quad in front of the UNCA library.\r\n\r\nEnjoy the trails through the Botanic Gardens and along the beautiful Reed Creek Greenway.\r\n\r\nTo wrap up the hike, be one of the first to enjoy the  installation of a new, interactive piece of public art where the Reed Creek Greenway intersects with Catawba Street in North Asheville.\r\n\r\nThe hike is roughly 12 miles and takes about 6.5 hours which includes coffee, lunch and trail break stops.\r\n\r\nThanks to Danny for scouting this great hike with me!","SCOUT_PICTURE":"https://carolinamtnclub.org/hiking/images/909_18682_1538.JPEG"},{"TYPEID":17,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 01 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"09:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Black Balsam Knob, Tennent Mtn. via Ivestor Gap and Art Loeb Trails","DESCRIPTION":"Contact the hike leaders for reservation. This group trail run will offer 2 options, a shorter loop of 4.4 miles with 750-ft. ascent and a longer loop of 8.8 miles with 1,250-ft. ascent. Both groups will begin promptly from the Black Balsam parking lot at the end of FS 816 at 10:00am. We will start on the Ivestor Gap Trail, then follow the Art Loeb Trail (ALT), up and over Tennent Mountain and to the summit of Black Balsam Knob. The shorter loop will return to the trailhead via the 0.4 mile Art Loeb Spur Trail. For those wanting more of a challenge, the longer loop will continue on the ALT and the MST, until it connects with the Little Sam Trail. From the Little Sam Trail, we will make a left onto Flat Laurel Creek, and then a right onto the Sam Knob Trail until it leads back to the parking area. Participants are assumed to have prior trail running experience. Runners should be prepared with proper hydration, layering, and footwear with good traction.Topos: Shining Rock","HIKE_NUMBER":112,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":8.80,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1250,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Paul Scalese | pscalese15@gmail.com | 570-878-5465","CO_LEADER":"John Ribes","DRIVE_DISTANCE":80,"HIKE_RATED":"B-B","HIKE_GROUP":"Trail Running","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"BRP French Broad Overlook at MM 393.8","ID":18738,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"South Beyond 6000,Pisgah 400","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 04 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Raven Cliff Falls","DESCRIPTION":"Contact the leader via email for reservation. This hike in Caesars Head State Park in S.C. begins by exploring the short trail near the Visitor Center with tremendous views and a walk through Devil's Kitchen, a narrow, one-person-wide rock chasm. We will then drive one mile back to the Raven Cliff Falls trailhead for a pleasant hike up and down trails to the pedestrian suspension bridge over the top of a beautiful 250-ft. waterfall. On the return, we'll take a short detour to view the falls from the platform on the other side of the valley. $3 per person park fee. It is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Table Rock","HIKE_NUMBER":330,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":8.50,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1450,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Karen Lachow | heyk127@hotmail.com | 703-395-5879","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":95,"HIKE_RATED":"B-B","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18717,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Pisgah Forest Walmart parking (back of center aisles close to Taco Bell) at 09:00 AM","CHALLENGES":"Waterfalls (WC100)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 04 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Grassy Rd. - Sycamore Cove Loop","DESCRIPTION":"Contact the hike leader for reservation.  We will do a loop hike using several of the shorter trails off the Black Mountain Trail including Grassy Rd, Thrift Cove and Sycamore Cove. \r\nThis is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Pisgah Forest","HIKE_NUMBER":802,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.30,"ELEVATION_GAIN":700,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Henry Kassell | hkassell@gmail.com | 845-656-5528","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":50,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18756,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Pisgah Forest Walmart parking (back of center aisles close to Taco Bell) at 09:00 AM","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 07 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Raven Cliff Falls","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader by email for reservation.  We begin by exploring the short trail near the Visitor Center with tremendous views, then drive to the Raven Cliff trailhead.  Raven Cliff Trail is wide with moderate ups and downs. After turning onto Gum Springs Trail we descend to the Middle Saluda River, sometimes steeply, but assisted by steps. The river, with its suspension bridge, makes for a nice lunch spot, and is also our turn-around spot. On the return we will take the 1/2-mile spur to the falls overlook. Raptor migration continues through the end of November, so it is possible we will see them. The park has a $3 entrance fee. This is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Table Rock","HIKE_NUMBER":330,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":8.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1450,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Thomas Butler | butler.tom3381@gmail.com | 361-484-3381","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":90,"HIKE_RATED":"B-B","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18688,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Pisgah Forest Walmart parking (back of center aisles close to Taco Bell) at 08:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"Waterfalls (WC100)","SCOUT_REPORT":"This is a pleasant hike in a S.C. state park, with trails that are well cared for.  The first two plus miles on the Raven Cliff Falls Trail, and on to the overlook of the falls, is a moderate ascent.  This is followed by another 2 miles on the Gum Gap trail, mostly downhill to the river and an impressive suspension bridge.  This is our lunch and turn-around spot.  Overall about 8 miles.","SCOUT_PICTURE":"https://carolinamtnclub.org/hiking/images/330_18688_1532.jpg"},{"TYPEID":16,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 07 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"10:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Richmond Hill","DESCRIPTION":"Join us for a leisurely hike through Richmond Hill Park.  There are 2.6 miles of easy hiking trails with an elevation gain of 250 ft.  The park features rolling hills with river bluffs and hardwoods of oak, maple and sweet gum, creating a peaceful urban oasis.  A great fall hike since the trail will reveal the western edge of the French Broad River.  The park has restrooms and plenty of parking.  A popular disk golf course is adjacent to the hiking trails.","HIKE_NUMBER":1022,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":2.60,"ELEVATION_GAIN":250,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Judy Magura | quilter290@gmail.com | 828-579-0321","CO_LEADER":"Jim Magura","DRIVE_DISTANCE":5,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"Leisure Hikes","HIKE_TYPE":"Car Shuttle","MEETPLACE":"160 Zillicoa St. (USFS parking lot) off Exit 25 of I-26","ID":18764,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":1,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 08 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"10:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Tanyard Gap to Rich Mountain","DESCRIPTION":"Contact leader via email for reservation. Limit of 12 hikers. This moderate in-and-out hike features great views from the Rich Mountain fire tower near Hot Springs. We follow the A.T. north from Tanyard Gap, then take a short side trail to the fire tower, and return via the A.T. This hike is 42 of the 100 Favorite Trails.Topos: Hot Springs","HIKE_NUMBER":325,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.50,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1350,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Thomas Butler | butler.tom3381@gmail.com | 361-484-3381","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":61,"HIKE_RATED":"C-B","HIKE_GROUP":"Half-Day Sunday","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"160 Zillicoa St. (USFS parking lot) off Exit 25 of I-26","ID":18695,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"Lookout Tower","SCOUT_REPORT":"This out-and-back section of the AT is a climb up to the Rich Mountain Fire Tower, with excellent views, followed by the descent back to the car.  There were two downed trees, one to go over and the other to go under, as well as some steps that are currently under repair.  I expect the repair job will be complete by the day of the hike, but if not we can skirt to the side and avoid the work.","SCOUT_PICTURE":"https://carolinamtnclub.org/hiking/images/325_18695_1533.jpg"},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 08 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Looking Glass Overlook to Cold Mtn. Overlook","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader for reservation and let her know which of the meeting places you will use. Hikers should choose the meeting place that is convenient to them; form carpools and each group drive directly to the BRP Cold Mountain Overlook, MM 411.9. From there, we will have a 5-mile car shuttle. Do not drive from the Outlets to the Pisgah Forest Walmart. We will leave some vehicles at the trail end (Cold Mountain Overlook) and drive the other vehicles to the trailhead (Bridges Camp Gap) to begin the hike. This will be a pleasant ramble along the MST from Bridges Camp Gap to Pigeon Gap and the Cold Mountain Overlook. We can expect nice views from some of the overlooks on the parkway. Please note that though this hike is lower-mileage, overall ascent is 1550 feet, including one fairly steep, consistent ascent to the top of Green Knob, followed by a quite steep descent. Car shuttle. This is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Shining Rock","HIKE_NUMBER":533,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.20,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1550,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Kristen Friedman | Kristenwho62@yahoo.com | unknown","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":70,"HIKE_RATED":"C-A","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"Car Shuttle","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18711,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Pisgah Forest Walmart parking (back of center aisles close to Taco Bell) at 08:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 13 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Stool Mountain Trail at Table Rock State Park","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader by email for reservation.   Form carpools and meet the hike leader at the second meeting place.  The Stool Mountain Trail is a new trail in Table Rock State Park, just to the side of Table Rock. A less technical trail than Table Rock, it is still a strenuous hike, gaining over 1,500 feet in elevation over 2.7 miles as it climbs through stream valleys, boulder fields, and rock overhangs to the summit of Stool Mountain. The trail features spectacular views of Table Rock itself, the South Carolina piedmont below, and Table Rock Reservoir. We will see evidence of the Table Rock fire which burned almost 16,000 acres in April 2025. NOTE: $6 admission fee per person.\r\nThis is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Table Rock","HIKE_NUMBER":1019,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.40,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1500,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Brenda Worley | bjdworley@gmail.com | 828-606-7297","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":112,"HIKE_RATED":"C-B","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18768,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Highlands Sq. Shopping Center - 250 Highlands Square Dr. Hendersonville by Red ATM at 08:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 15 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Charlies Bunion from Newfound Gap and return","DESCRIPTION":"<strong><u>900M</strong></u> Contact the leader by email for reservation. Limit of 10 hikers. This scenic in-and-out hike will follow the A.T. from Newfound Gap to a spectacular lunch spot at Charlies Bunion. This hike is 27 of the 100 Favorite Trails. NOTE: A parking pass for each vehicle is required in the GSMNP. For more information: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm.Topos: Clingmans Dome","HIKE_NUMBER":119,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":8.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":2400,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Donna Lanning | dblanning@bellsouth.net | 828-606-7956","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":135,"HIKE_RATED":"B-AA","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Food Lion - 35 Westridge Market Pl. Candler","ID":18691,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Maggie Valley Post Office at 08:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"South Beyond 6000","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":1,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 15 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"10:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Folk Art Center to Haw Creek Overlook","DESCRIPTION":"This favorite moderate hike on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail goes through a beautiful section of forest and up to Lunch Rock just above Haw Creek Overlook. We will have lunch on the rocks with great views of the Haw Creek Valley and Asheville.Topos: Oteen","HIKE_NUMBER":346,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":850,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Susan Murphy | susan.m.murphy.6@gmail.com | 703-507-7668","CO_LEADER":"Brian Murphy","DRIVE_DISTANCE":0,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"Half-Day Sunday","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Back parking lot of Folk Art Center","ID":18694,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 18 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Sams Gap to Big Bald","DESCRIPTION":"Contact the leader by email for a reservation. This challenging hike offers a wonderful, classic view on top at our lunch spot. We will follow the A.T. north from Sams Gap to Big Bald, then reverse direction to our starting point. Beautiful views and steep climbs along the way! This hike is 46 of the 100 Favorite Trails.  This is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Sams Gap","HIKE_NUMBER":548,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":13.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":3300,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Thomas Butler | butler.tom3381@gmail.com | 361-484-3381","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":50,"HIKE_RATED":"AA-AA+","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"160 Zillicoa St. (USFS parking lot) off Exit 25 of I-26","ID":18702,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"AT-MST","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 18 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"09:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Pump Gap Loop","DESCRIPTION":"Contact leader for reservation.  A variation of CMC hike 0295, this is a loop hike heading north on the A.T. up Lovers Leap, along the ridge above Hot Springs to Pump Gap, down the Pump Gap Trail to Silvermine Campground and back to the parking area. This is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Hot Springs","HIKE_NUMBER":295,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":4.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1079,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"George Shepherd | Gsshepherd620@gmail.com | 405-596-2632","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":80,"HIKE_RATED":"C-B","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"160 Zillicoa St. (USFS parking lot) off Exit 25 of I-26","ID":18758,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Publix at 165 Weaver Blvd. Weaverville lower end of parking lot off Exit 19 of I-26 at 09:15 AM","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":16,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 21 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"10:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Rice Pinnacle loop","DESCRIPTION":"Contact leader by email for reservation. This shortened variation of CMC hike 0942 loops through the Rice Pinnacle area of Bent Creek.","HIKE_NUMBER":942,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":2.60,"ELEVATION_GAIN":320,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Carroll Koepplinger | cakoep29@gmail.com | 828-231-9444","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":8,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"Leisure Hikes","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18761,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 21 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Rocky Fork - Flint Creek","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader for reservation. This in-and-out, creek-side hike showcases the Rocky Fork State Park and one of its links to the A.T. We will follow the Flint Creek Trail up to Flint Gap on the A.T., then return to the park entrance where we will take the side trail up to Whitehouse Cliffs for a full view of the Rocky Fork watershed. This hike fulfills the requirement for 45 of the 100 Favorite Trails. This is hunting season; please wear orange.","HIKE_NUMBER":910,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":7.80,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1860,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Les Love | lesrlove55@gmail.com | 828-230-1861","CO_LEADER":"Catherine Love","DRIVE_DISTANCE":80,"HIKE_RATED":"B-A","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"160 Zillicoa St. (USFS parking lot) off Exit 25 of I-26","ID":18683,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"FH100","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 22 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Waterrock Knob from Soco Gap","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader by email for reservation. This hike starts at Soco Gap with an elevation of 4400 feet and heads steadily up to Waterrock Knob at close to 6400 feet. We will enjoy the view as we eat our lunch at the top. This section of the MST was completed by CMC in 2016. Expect to be impressed by the work that went into building this trail. We will visit Howard's Bridge, Piet's Place and some big oak, spruce and maple trees. We will return on the same trail. This is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Hazelwood","HIKE_NUMBER":205,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":9.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1950,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Kathy Cornn/Kyle | katherinenkyle@gmail.com | 828-458-1282","CO_LEADER":"Michael Cornn","DRIVE_DISTANCE":77,"HIKE_RATED":"B-A","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Food Lion - 35 Westridge Market Pl. Candler","ID":18697,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Maggie Valley Post Office at 08:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"AT-MST,South Beyond 6000","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":1,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 22 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"10:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Two Walls of Looking Glass Rock","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader via email for reservation. Limit of 15 hikers. View Looking Glass Rock from a new perspective. This hike covers two in-and-out trails off FS 475B to the rock face. It is a shortened version of CMC hike 0812. Note that there is a fair amount of elevation gain over a short distance. We will pause on the drive back to view Slick Rock Falls. We may encounter a bonus – rock climbers.Topos: Pisgah Forest","HIKE_NUMBER":812,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":2.70,"ELEVATION_GAIN":930,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Dennis Bass | dbass3607@gmail.com | 828-367-8619","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":70,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"Half-Day Sunday","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18693,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Pisgah Ranger Station off US 276 at 11:15 AM","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 25 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"09:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Guion Farm P.L. #1  - Wintergreen Falls","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader for reservation. Form carpools and meet hike leader at second meeting place. This variation of hike 0350 is a leisurely-paced loop hike down old logging roads through some beautiful forest. We'll stop at an old cemetery and take a side trail down to a beautiful waterfall.  This is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Standingstone Mtn","HIKE_NUMBER":350,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":500,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Bruce Bente | bcb28791@gmail.com | 828-567-9443","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":70,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18753,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Pisgah Forest Walmart parking (back of center aisles close to Taco Bell) at 09:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"Waterfalls (WC100)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":1,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 29 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"09:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Mingus Creek Trail","DESCRIPTION":"<strong><u>900M</strong></u> Contact the leader via email for reservation. In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, see the historic Mingus Mill and learn about the history of former residents. Visit an African-American  cemetery and a settler cemetery.  A pleasant walk with lots of interesting surprises along the way.  This is hike 17 of the 100 Favorite Trails. NOTE: A parking pass for each vehicle is required in the GSMNP. For more information: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm.\r\nTopos: Smokemont","HIKE_NUMBER":896,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":800,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Danny Bernstein | dannyhiker@gmail.com | 828-450-0747","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":120,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"Half-Day Sunday","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Food Lion - 35 Westridge Market Pl. Candler","ID":18722,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"November, 29 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Canebrake Trail","DESCRIPTION":"Contact the leader by email for reservation. This hike will start at the Frozen Creek Rd. parking lot in Gorges State Park and go down the Canebrake Trail to the pedestrian bridge on the Foothills Trail. We will have a scenic view of the lake while having lunch on the rocks where the Toxaway River enters Lake Jocassee. Return via the same route. The trail is an old logging road. Our hike back will have a steady but moderate incline. \r\nTopos: Reid","HIKE_NUMBER":421,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":11.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1900,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Karen Lachow | heyk127@hotmail.com | 703-395-5879","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":90,"HIKE_RATED":"A-A","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18720,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Pisgah Forest Walmart parking (back of center aisles close to Taco Bell) at 09:00 AM","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 02 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"09:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Fonta Flora - Copper Ridge Trail","DESCRIPTION":"Contact the leaders for reservation.  This modification of CMC hike 1015 will cover a section of the Fonta Flora, a State Trail near Old Fort, and traverse part of Camp Grier. We'll start uphill from the trailhead to the Copper Ridge Trail, then head east to its intersection with the Camp Grier Trail. From there, we'll hike down the tree-lined switchback trail to the riverside picnic area for lunch along Garrett Creek. After lunch, we will return to our cars at the trailhead on the Copper Ridge Trail.  This is hunting season; please wear orange.","HIKE_NUMBER":1015,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.50,"ELEVATION_GAIN":950,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"David Angelus | david.angelus@comcast.net | 312-315-4588","CO_LEADER":"Dianne Bienick","DRIVE_DISTANCE":45,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"TBD","MEETPLACE":"Ingles off Exit 64 of I-40 (Black Mountain)","ID":18740,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Copper Ridge Trailhead parking lot 1530 Old US 70 W Old Fort NC  at 10:00 AM","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 02 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Sam Knob - Devils Courthouse","DESCRIPTION":"Contact the hike leaders via email for reservation.  From FS 816 we will ascend Sam Knob (6040 ft.) with its 360-degree views, then hike through high meadows on the Flat Laurel and Little Sam Trails. We then return via the MST across FS 816 and up to the summit of Black Balsam (6214 ft.), then down to our cars.  This is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Sam Knob","HIKE_NUMBER":242,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":8.30,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1500,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Susan Murphy | susan.m.murphy.6@gmail.com | 703-507-7668","CO_LEADER":"Brian Murphy","DRIVE_DISTANCE":60,"HIKE_RATED":"B-B","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18741,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"BRP Cold Mountain Overlook at MM 412 at 09:00 AM","CHALLENGES":"South Beyond 6000","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 06 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Slate Rock Creek, Pilot Cove","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader for reservation. This is a variation of CMC hike 0437. Form carpools and meet the hike leader at the second meeting place. This is a lollipop hike starting at Yellow Gap Road parking area near the Wolf Ford Horse Camp. We will walk the road 3/4 mile to Pilot Rock Trail, quickly turn onto the Pilot Connector to Pilot Cove Rd, then to Slate Rock Creek Trail, Pilot Cove Loop (where we will have lunch on Slate Rock), Slate Rock Creek Trail and back to the road via to Pilot Cove Rd, Pilot Connector, and Pilot Rock Trail.  Slate Rock, a smaller and less well-known pluton, has terrific 180-degree views. This is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Shining Rock","HIKE_NUMBER":437,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":7.40,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1340,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Thomas Butler | butler.tom3381@gmail.com | 361-484-3381","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":60,"HIKE_RATED":"B-B","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18712,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Pisgah Forest Walmart parking (back of center aisles close to Taco Bell) at 08:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"Waterfalls (WC100)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":1,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 06 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"10:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Boyd Branch P.L. #6 - Boyd Logging Rd.","DESCRIPTION":"Contact leader by email for reservation. No limit on the number of hikers. This new CMC hike in Bent Creek will begin at the parking area just before Boyd Branch Rd. off Bent Creek Rd. We will take the Boyd Branch Trail, then continue on the Boyd Logging Rd. and Little Hickory Trail to Ingles Field Gap. Our descent will either be on the same route, or on Ingles Field Gap and Connector Trails, followed by Boyd Branch Road and Trail back to our cars.","HIKE_NUMBER":1013,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":4.20,"ELEVATION_GAIN":800,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Carroll Koepplinger | cakoep29@gmail.com | 828-231-9444","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":4,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"Half-Day Sunday","HIKE_TYPE":"Partial Loop","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18709,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 09 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"11:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Annual Cookie Hike, Shorter Version, Bent Creek Ramble to MST past Sleepy Gap","DESCRIPTION":"Contact the leader for reservation. This is a shorter version of the Annual Cookie Hike. We will start on the Lake Powhatan Connector and hike to the picnic area to meet the other group for lunch and to share cookies. After lunch we will return to the cars on the same trail. Don't forget to bring cookies. This is hunting season; please wear orange.","HIKE_NUMBER":492,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":2.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":300,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Gail Lamb | glamb46@gmail.com | 828-275-4500","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":10,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18765,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"Pisgah 400","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 09 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"09:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Annual Cookie Hike, Bent Creek Ramble to MST past Sleepy Gap","DESCRIPTION":"Contact the leader via email for  reservation. This is a moderate loop hike in the Bent Creek area. We will start from the parking area for Cold Knob Road (FS 479H off Bent Creek Road beyond Lake Powhatan). Using a variety of short sections of trails, we will hike up to the MST, follow it past Sleepy Gap, and descend by the Stambaugh Trail to the Lake Powhatan picnic area for lunch and a cookie feast. Bring cookies to share. The walk back to the cars in the afternoon is approximately two miles. This is hunting season; please wear orange.","HIKE_NUMBER":492,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":7.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1200,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Keiko Merl | keikomerl@att.net | 828-231-2126","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":10,"HIKE_RATED":"B-B","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18742,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"Pisgah 400","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 09 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Big Ivy - Walker Ridge Loop","DESCRIPTION":"Contact the leader via email for reservation. Limit of 12 hikers.  On this variation of hike 0611, we'll begin by hiking down the steep Staire Creek Trail from FS 63, then up the Walker Creek Trail and across the road to continue up on the Perkins Trail to the Laurel Gap Trail. After a 2-mile stroll on this meadow-like trail, we'll head downhill on the Bear Pen Trail to return to our cars. These trails are rocky and steep in spots. There are several stream crossings on this hike. We walk near lovely creeks on some of the trails.  This is deer hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Barnardsville","HIKE_NUMBER":611,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":8.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1700,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Marie Chamberlin | marie.m.chamberlin@gmail.com | 678-492-6718","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":35,"HIKE_RATED":"B-A","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Publix at 165 Weaver Blvd. Weaverville lower end of parking lot off Exit 19 of I-26","ID":18719,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 12 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"09:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Heartbreak Ridge / Star Gap","DESCRIPTION":"Contact the leader by email for reservation. This shortened and modified version of hike 0092 will be on the Star Gap Trail. We will hike (at a moderate pace) the Star Gap Trail to Jarrett Creek and return on the same trail. We will have the option of hiking to Bernard's Rock Overlook or possibly a short distance beyond Jarrett Creek. The 1650' ascent/descent is moderate with only a couple of short steep sections. Option on the way back to stop at Andrews Geyser (which may or may not be operating) and read the historical marker commemorating the people who built the railroad track to the top of the mountains. This is hunting season; please wear orange.\r\nTopos: Old Fort","HIKE_NUMBER":92,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":6.80,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1650,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Marie Chamberlin | marie.m.chamberlin@gmail.com | 678-492-6718","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":80,"HIKE_RATED":"B-A","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Ingles off Exit 64 of I-40 (Black Mountain)","ID":18684,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":1,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 13 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"10:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Max Patch Loop","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader via email for reservation. Limit of 10 hikers. We will drive to Max Patch parking area, then hike up to the top to join the A.T. After enjoying the views we will head south on A.T. to pick up Buckeye Ridge Trail, loop around back to A.T. to top of Max Patch, then return to cars. Awesome 360-degree, panoramic views from summit of Max Patch make this a favorite hike.Topos: Lemon Gap","HIKE_NUMBER":453,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":4.40,"ELEVATION_GAIN":800,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Susan Murphy | susan.m.murphy.6@gmail.com | 703-507-7668","CO_LEADER":"Brian Murphy","DRIVE_DISTANCE":0,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"Half-Day Sunday","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"160 Zillicoa St. (USFS parking lot) off Exit 25 of I-26","ID":18723,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Old Spring Creek School building on NC 209 in Spring Creek  at 10:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 13 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Walker's Knob - Montreat","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader for reservation.  We will hike the Graybeard Trail up to Walker's Knob and back. The hike is a steady 1800 ft. climb with a wonderful view of Montreat and Black Mountain Valley from Walker's Knob. This is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Montreat","HIKE_NUMBER":640,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":8.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1800,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Lorraine Bernhardt | lsbernhardt50@gmail.com | 828-699-8857","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":40,"HIKE_RATED":"B-A","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Ingles off Exit 64 of I-40 (Black Mountain)","ID":18696,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 16 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"09:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Tanyard Gap to Rich Mountain","DESCRIPTION":"Contact the leader via email or text for reservation. This moderate in-and-out hike features great views from the Rich Mountain fire tower near Hot Springs. We follow the A.T. north from Tanyard Gap, then take a short side trail to the fire tower and return via the A.T.  This is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Hot Springs","HIKE_NUMBER":325,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.50,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1350,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Bev MacDowell | bevmacdowellhappy@gmail.com | 828-777-5806","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":61,"HIKE_RATED":"C-B","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"160 Zillicoa St. (USFS parking lot) off Exit 25 of I-26","ID":18759,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Tanyard Gap parking area (off US 70/25 near Hot Springs) at 09:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"Lookout Tower","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 16 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Trombatore - Bearwallow Trails","DESCRIPTION":"Contact the leader for a reservation.  Due to limited parking at the trailhead, the second meeting place should only be used for hikers coming from areas south. The Trombatore trailhead is marked with a prominent signboard and is located across the road from the Bearwallow Mountain trailhead. From Bearwallow Gap, we will first hike the Trombatore Trail to a beautiful meadow with long-distance views, then return past the Gap and up to Bearwallow Mountain with its great views. We will return on the gravel access road.Topos: Bat Cave","HIKE_NUMBER":845,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":7.50,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1900,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Thomas Butler | butler.tom3381@gmail.com | 361-484-3381","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":30,"HIKE_RATED":"B-A","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Ingles at 1865 Hendersonville Rd. Skyland Plaza (Arden)","ID":18718,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Bearwallow Gap trailhead at 08:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":16,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 19 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"10:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Folk Art Center to Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center","DESCRIPTION":"An enjoyable late fall hike on the MST.  We'll meet at the BRP Visitor Center and shuttle to the Folk Art Center. From there, we'll hike back to the Visitor Center, crossing over the Swannanoa River and under I-40.  Toward the end of the hike, there is a shortcut that could cut the hike distance down to 2.8 miles.  Short car shuttle.\r\nTopos: Dunsmore Mt","HIKE_NUMBER":296,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":3.40,"ELEVATION_GAIN":450,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Jeff Wilcox | jwilcox@unca.edu | 828-989-8755","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":0,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"Leisure Hikes","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"BRP Visitor Center at MM 383","ID":18763,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"AT-MST","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 20 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Allen Gap to Tanyard Gap","DESCRIPTION":"No reservation needed. Contact leader by phone only. Form carpools and meet leader at the second meeting place. This will be a moderately-paced hike. This is one of the prettiest sections of the A.T. in our area. We will take a side trip to the Rich Mountain fire tower and visit the Spring Mountain Shelter. Car shuttle. Please bring enough cars so that all hikers can be safely belted in for the car shuttle. This hike is 42 of the 100 Favorite Trails. This is hunting season; please wear orange.Topos: Hot Springs","HIKE_NUMBER":420,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":8.80,"ELEVATION_GAIN":2100,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Tish Desjardins | tishdesjardins8@gmail.com | 828-319-1611","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":60,"HIKE_RATED":"B-AA","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"Car Shuttle","MEETPLACE":"160 Zillicoa St. (USFS parking lot) off Exit 25 of I-26","ID":18721,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Corner of US 25/70 & NC 208 at 09:15 AM","CHALLENGES":"AT-MST,Lookout Tower","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":1,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 20 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"10:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Trombatore Trail","DESCRIPTION":"Contact hike leader for reservation.   Limit  of 10 hikers.   Form carpools and meet hike leader at second meeting place. The trailhead is marked with a prominent signboard for Bearwallow and Tromabatore. We will hike the Trombatore Trail to a beautiful meadow with beautiful long-distance views, then return to the gap.Topos: Bat Cave","HIKE_NUMBER":845,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.20,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1300,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Donna Lanning | dblanning@bellsouth.net | 828-606-7956","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":35,"HIKE_RATED":"C-B","HIKE_GROUP":"Half-Day Sunday","HIKE_TYPE":"In and Out","MEETPLACE":"Ingles at 2901 Hendersonville Rd. (Fletcher NC)","ID":18698,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"Trombatore trailhead at 10:30 AM","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":8,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 23 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"10:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Biltmore Lake #2","DESCRIPTION":"Contact the leader by email for reservation. Limit of 10 hikers. Navigate to 80 Lake Drive and park on the street. Beginning at the Biltmore Lake Clubhouse flagpole (restrooms available) we'll walk the Lake Loop counterclockwise to the Pink Beds Trail, navigate a few streets and stairs to get to the trailhead on Scott Mountain and enter Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy land. We'll walk a forest road with lake and mountain views to the power line cut, and back down to the Biltmore Lake community, where we'll take the Appalachian Morning Trail back to our start. This hike includes brief neighborhood street connections as well as some Enka history. This is hunting season, wear orange.","HIKE_NUMBER":997,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":6.50,"ELEVATION_GAIN":876,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Kris Medic | krismedic@sbcglobal.net | 812-371-1031","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":0,"HIKE_RATED":"B-C","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Wednesday","HIKE_TYPE":"TBD","MEETPLACE":"Biltmore Lake Clubhouse near flagpole","ID":18701,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":1,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 27 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"09:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Rice Pinnacle P.L. #3 - Corvair Trail","DESCRIPTION":"No registration required. Contact hike leader via email or text if you have any questions. \r\nThis is a pleasant hike through the woods of the Bent Creek area. No steep hills and good trail conditions. We will do a loop in the Rice Pinnacle area, including Corvair, Neighborhood, Ledford and Wolf Branch Trails.","HIKE_NUMBER":942,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":5.50,"ELEVATION_GAIN":600,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Marie Chamberlin | marie.m.chamberlin@gmail.com | 678-492-6718","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":10,"HIKE_RATED":"C-C","HIKE_GROUP":"Half-Day Sunday","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18692,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"(none)","SCOUT_REPORT":"This is a pleasant walk through the forest where we need to keep an eye out for mountain bikes. I measured 4.4 miles and 400' elevation gain. The trail is very rooty in places but is a good choice for a shorter hike or perhaps leisure hikers who want to try a slightly longer hike. Parking at Rice Pinnacle fills early, so carpooling is recommended. Corvair Trail and Neighborhood Trail are not shown on my paper map but clearly are heavily used. Lynn and Krum scouted with me on a beautiful dry fall day.","SCOUT_PICTURE":"https://carolinamtnclub.org/hiking/images/942_18692_1535.JPEG"},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 27 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"08:30 AM","HIKE_NAME":"Cold Knob P.L. #1 - MST past Sleepy Gap","DESCRIPTION":"Contact leader via email for reservation. This is a moderate hike in Bent Creek Experimental Forest.  The route is: uphill on FS 479H; R onto Explorer Loop; R onto Chestnut Cove and unnamed trail to MST; L onto MST; L onto Stambaugh Trail; L onto Deerfield Connector; R onto to Small Creek; Lunch at Campground; L onto Homestead; L onto Pine Tree Loop; R onto Explorer Connector; R onto Explorer Loop; R onto FS 479H to trailhead. This is hunting season; please wear orange.","HIKE_NUMBER":492,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":7.00,"ELEVATION_GAIN":952,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Judy Magura | quilter290@gmail.com | 828-579-0321","CO_LEADER":"Jim Magura","DRIVE_DISTANCE":10,"HIKE_RATED":"B-C","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26","ID":18714,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"Pisgah 400","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""},{"TYPEID":3,"HIKE_DATE":"December, 31 2026 00:00:00","MEET_TIME":"09:00 AM","HIKE_NAME":"TEST HIKE - DO NOT PUBLISH","DESCRIPTION":"This loop hike is scheduled for our coldest month to see 50-ft. frozen cascades along the closed Blue Ridge Parkway. We'll do a two-mile climb up to the MST and some gentle MST hiking before our lunch spot with great views of the mountains. After lunch, we'll hike downhill through beautiful woods on the Seniard Ridge Trail.Topos: Shining Rock","HIKE_NUMBER":1,"WILDERNESS_TRAIL":"No","HIKE_DISTANCE":9.80,"ELEVATION_GAIN":1800,"CANCELED":"No","HIKE_LEADER":"Karen Lachow | heyk127@hotmail.com | 703-395-5879","CO_LEADER":"","DRIVE_DISTANCE":0,"HIKE_RATED":"A-A","HIKE_GROUP":"All-Day Weekend","HIKE_TYPE":"Loop","MEETPLACE":"","ID":18769,"MEETPLACE_TWO":"","CHALLENGES":"Pisgah 400,Waterfalls (WC100)","SCOUT_REPORT":"","SCOUT_PICTURE":""}]